Missouri State men’s basketball player John Hayward-Mayhew, a freshman forward from Eugene, Ore., has decided not to return to the team next season, head coach Cuonzo Martin announced Wednesday.

Citing a desire to attend a college closer to his home in Oregon, Hayward-Mayhew will complete the current academic semester at Missouri State before departing.

“My time playing for Missouri State was a great experience,” said Hayward-Mayhew. “I learned a lot, and I appreciate the opportunity Coach Martin and the staff gave me. The program is definitely headed in the right direction, but I have decided to pursue a school further west to continue my academic and basketball careers.”

The 6-foot-8, 210-pounder played in just seven games for the Bears this season, all during the team’s non-conference schedule. He scored eight points and collected seven rebounds in 54 minutes during his inaugural college season, also making 80-percent of his free throws and collecting one steal.

His best game came in the team’s 70-67 loss at Tulsa on December 10 when he scored four points, went 2-for-3 at the free throw line and grabbed three rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench.  He also collected four points in the team’s 60-57 win at Central Michigan on November 17 with two rebounds in seven minutes, while making both of his free throw attempts.

“John is a great young man who worked very hard for us this season,” said Martin. “We support his decision to pursue other opportunities, and we will do everything we can to help him continue his basketball career. We wish him the very best and thank him for being part of our program.”

Martin said Hayward-Mayhew is currently on vacation with his family while Missouri State is on spring break, and he is not expected to return in time for Sunday's 1 p.m. team awards banquet at the Doubletree Hotel on N. Glenstone in Springfield.